What to wear hiking

When the sun is shining, many of us are keen to get out in nature. Hiking on a beautiful summer’s day is an activity enjoyed across the country.

Getting outdoors can have great physical and mental benefits, but this activity must be done safely. The key to a successful hike is preparation.

Let’s take a look at what to wear hiking, and the essential items you should pack to be safe and well prepared.

Things to consider

What to wear hiking or on a long walk largely depends on the weather conditions, and in the UK, this can be quite the challenge to prepare for! Some major factors to consider when deciding on your dress code are:

Amount of storage available e.g. backpack size
Weather forecast and potential changes
Access to suitable clothing
Length of the walk
Personal comfort
Type of terrain

If you are new to hiking, or are hiking in an unfamiliar place, it is always best to “overprepared” than underprepared. As we know, weather in the UK can change quickly, so you should be prepared for all types of weather. When the weather is hot, we can easily forget to protect our skin, or prepare for wind, rain, and colder evening weather.

what to wear hiking The following list covers suitable hiking clothing for year round walks, you can adapt this list to suit your needs, and the time of year.

Suitable footwear such as hiking boots
A waterproof layer like a jacket – incase of rain and temperature changes
Base layer – so you can remove outer layers with weather changes
Fleece layer – it is a good idea to carry some sort of insulated layer
Thick socks designed for walking / walking boots
A hat or cap – for cold or warm weather
Adjustable trousers – can be folded into shorts where necessary
Sunglasses – suitable for all weather types
Gloves – this could be winter gloves or gloves to reduce the risk of scrapes should a fall occur

What to bring on a hike

Now that we have established the best clothing to wear, we also need to consider what we need to bring to be sufficiently prepared for a hike. Let’s start with a sizeable backpack or rucksack.

If you are going on a long hike, or hiking up a mountain, such as Snowdon, you will need more supplies than if you’re taking a casual hike. Here are some suggestions for your next hike: what to wear hiking

Hypothermia prevention blanket or poncho
Water bottle and sufficient water
Food – pack good quality snacks that will provide energy
Spare clothing – prepare for all weather types
Waterproof cover for bag – incase of extremely wet weather
First aid kit – items such as medicine, antiseptic products, plasters
Skin products – sun cream, after sun and insect repellent products
Map and compass – important if your phone dies or signal is poor
Mobile phone and power bank – to call for assistance and use for maps
Whistle and light – to attract attention if necessary
Something to rest on – such as a mat or blanket
Money – carrying cash in case of emergencies

There are more things you can carry for extra peace of mind, that may not be considered “essential”. Items such as multi-tools, walking poles, fitness, watches, and survival products. You may also want to bring a camera for those impressive views!

Why you should prepare for hypothermia

In the packing list above, we recommended packing a hypothermia prevention blanket or poncho, and you may be wondering why this is. The answer is simple, hypothermia can develop anywhere, at any time. Rain or shine, hypothermia can develop in accidents and trauma situations.

If you are on a hike, there is risk of accidental injury, or adverse weather. It is important to remember that weather can change quickly, and temperatures can plummet. In these cases, hypothermia becomes a more prevalent risk. This is why hypothermia prevention products are carried by first responders, as well as search & rescue teams.

Watch the video below to see how hypothermia blankets are used in the case of an injured hiker.

3586_thermarmour_hiker_rescue_blanket_15_secs_v1 (1080p)

12th June 2024

What to wear hiking in the UK

Things to consider